Indian Gurus and Unsafe Yoga Practice
... itself otherwise the consequences of doing yoga practice could be more dangerous than beneficial said Subodh Gupta, yoga expert from India.
Let us understand how:
There are some breathing exercises like simple alternate nostril breathing (without holding the breath), which can be taught easily without much complications and have various benefits. However, at the same time some of the exercises, for example: kapalabhati breathing technique which is taught to the masses is quite questionable. This exercise even though having tremendous benefits, can be equally dangerous if somebody has heart disease or problem related to hernia said Subodh. Will it help or rather make the hernia and heart problem worse? considering the fact that many Indians suffer from hernia and heart problem.
For example, according to the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), potential causes for hernia include anything that creates increased pressure in the abdomen. This includes: coughing, vomiting, straining/constipation, etc. Now considering this information what about the forceful exhalation which people do while practicing kapalabhati or other pranayama exercises and how far these can be dangerous for people having hernia? Perhaps medical expert can better answer this question in more details.
Similarly there are number of other yoga postures which require great precautions. As we all have different body structures and different fitness le...more
yoga Instructor Training - yoga and Arthritis
...ents with arthritis to begin with what is comfortable. Some students may have limited flexibility or may not be able to kneel. Remind them that overcoming difficulties, while accepting your capabilities, is an essential part of yoga. yoga is not about competition; this should be a core value already present in your instruction.
Single leg raises, shoulder stretches, and neck exercises, are a good start to get the student ready for more challenging poses. Hand clenching...more
Power yoga: Your Choice for a Healthy Body and Mind
...Power yoga is basically known as the "yoga with brawn". This is the American version of ashtanga yoga, a kind of discipline that combines stretching, strength training, and meditative breathing.
A lot of poses look like basic callisthenics (pushups, handstands, toe touches, and side bends). But the key to power yogas sweat-inducing, muscle-building power is the pace. As a replacement for pausing between poses as you would in traditional yoga, each move flows into the next, making it a powerful aerobic workout.
Power yoga is an energetic exercise that challenges you physically and mentally in order to help you connect to your inner power. The power yoga poses are performed at a fast pace unlike regular yoga. One big benefit is that it can help you increase your physical endurance and ability to f...more
Yoga Tips for Managing Anxiety and Cultivating Positive Energy
...Pranayama is a wonderful method to reduce anxiety. Pranayama originates from two Sanskrit words, Prana, which means universal energy, and Yama, which means restraint.
In effect, Pranayama is the cultivation of universal energy through breath. You have the ability, within your being, to make sure the energy you cultivate is positive, with the help of Pranayama and a positive mental attitude.
There are many methods for the cultivation of Prana to choose from, but lets start with a deep natural breath. This is the breath of infants. When you watch a baby in the crib, notice how the stomach rises as he or she inhales. Then notice that the navel draws to the spine on an exhale.
This is natural breath, but this can often...more
